Facts about 'Raymond'

May 16, 2005

After nine seasons, one of TV's highest-rated sitcoms is signing off tonight. While everyone knows what's coming, there remain some facts that may have eluded all but the biggest fans. Here are some secrets.

In its Sept. 13, 1996, debut, the show ranked 69th out of 106 shows, and by the end of the first season, it was ranked 81st, according to Nielsen Media Research. It finishes this year as the 10th-most watched show and the top-rated sitcom, averaging more than 17 million viewers a week.

HOLY SMOKES

The first time Peter Boyle (Ray's dad) uttered his catchphrase "Holy crap!" was in the pilot. In the real world, Boyle was a monk in the Christian Brothers order before he started his acting career.

'EVERYBODY' IS EVERYWHERE

"Everybody Loves Raymond" airs in syndicated reruns in 191 of the nation's 210 TV markets. It also airs in 169 other countries.

BY THE NUMBERS

Nine seasons, 210 episodes, 12 Emmy Awards--and star Ray Romano has been on "Late Night with David Letterman" 20 times. (Raymond and Letterman are produced by the same company, Worldwide Pants.)

FRIENDS

Guest stars over the years have included Jean Stapleton, Julie Hagerty, Paul Reubens (Pee-wee Herman), Fred Willard, as well as sports celebs Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Terry Bradshaw, Barry Bonds, Katarina Witt and the late Tug McGraw.